Pages

Social Items

Menu Items

Breastfeeding is a special time in the life of both mother and child and experts explain that breast milk is far superior to artificial feeding, which is associated with a general decreased state of health and more infant deaths from diarrhea in both developing and developed countries.

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with solids gradually being introduced around this age. Supplemented breastfeeding is recommended until the age of two.

Studies show that in addition to the bonding that mother and baby experience, breastfeeding is associated with increased intelligence in later life and significantly lowers the risk of many illnesses including:

sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

middle ear infections, colds and flus

childhood leukemia

childhood onset diabetes

asthma and eczema

dental problems

obesity

psychological disorders

Breastfeeding is also beneficial for the mother in the following ways:

Helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and position

Reduces postpartum bleeding

Assists in returning to pre-pregnancy weight

Reduces the risk of breast cancer in later life

Unfortunately even though mothers may choose to breastfeed, they often experience difficulty in the supply and production of breast milk. They may also unknowingly have a problem with low quality breast milk which can result in the baby not being completely satisfied with feeds.

Breast milk production and supply are not the same thing and each is influenced by different factors. A mother can have either a problem with production (usually hormonal, obstructive or due to improper feeding habits) or supply (most often due to poor nutrition or weak constitution) or both. Sometimes there can be no problem with supply or production of breast milk but the quality of breast milk may not be sufficient to satisfy the baby. Traditionally modern medicine only accepted problems of insufficient production but now with advances in technology that enable us to measure the quality of breast milk it is now accepted that these three problems mentioned above are all real conditions that need to be addressed appropriately in the breastfeeding mother.

In order to understand how to address problems of low breast milk or insufficient lactation we need to understand how and when breast milk is produced and what factors are involved in the production, supply and quality of breast milk.

How and when breast milk is produced

Breast milk is produced under the influence of certain hormones that are released after birth, these include prolactin and oxytocin. The release of these hormones is directly related to the act of the baby suckling on the breast which in turn stimulates the nerve endings present in the areola of the breast and cause the release of these hormones by the pituitary gland. Prolactin causes the alveoli or glands within the breast to take nutrients from the blood supply and turn them into breast milk. Oxytocin on the other hand is responsible for the contraction of cells around the alveoli and subsequent release of the breasmilk through the breast ducts and out through the 15 to 20 openings in each breast.

There are a number of factors that can affect production and therefore result in no or insufficient breast milk, these are categorised as follows:

Problems with secretion of either prolactin or oxytocin

Obstruction of the breast ducts

Fatigue and/or stress resulting in the inability of the muscles to contract and release breast milk

Problems with hormonal secretion

It is rare that insufficient lactation can be caused by a problem of the pituitary gland, more often cases of non-secretion are due to insufficient stimulation of the nerve endings by the baby not latching or sucking appropriately or indeed not suckling at all in cases where the baby may be unable to feed or the mother is unable to. In these cases it is encouraged to use proper posture and also use a pump in between feeds to encourage breast milk production.

Obstruction of the breast ducts

Obstruction of the breast ducts is a fairly common occurrence and usually is associated with inflammation of the breast (mastitis) but may be due to other causes such as injury or previous surgery to the breast etc. Fortunately it is easy to treat, a doctor could prescribe an anti-inflammatory or you could use natural herbs such as mu tong or fenugreek which has been traditionally used to open the breast ducts, reduce inflammation and promote milk production and flow. Some of the natural supplements to increase breast milk contain these ingredients and will be discussed later in this article.

Fatigue/Stress

Fatigue and stress can play a part in any illness and is a common occurrence postpartum. For some this may even be serious enough to be considered postnatal depression. Both stress and fatigue can affect the function of both prolactin and oxytocin as energy is required for all bodily functions to occur including contraction of the muscles responsible for promoting the flow of breast milk. Mothers should get sufficient sleep and also eat healthy to combat fatigue. Stress can be eased by getting help in managing the baby from friends and family. Some natural postpartum supplements can also assist in reducing fatigue and stress. These will be discussed under the supplements section.

The quantity and quality of breast milk is largely influenced by the health and nutritional status of the mother. Studies have shown that nutritional status affects more the quality than the quantity of breast milk so that often a mother will be producing enough milk but the quality and nutritional value of that milk may not be sufficient to provide optimal growth for the baby. Often the body will be able to provide sufficient protein and fat content for inclusion in breast milk by taking this from the mothers blood supply and if necessary by breakdown of the mothers own protein and fat stores. However the inclusion of vitamins, minerals and other essential substances will be directly affected by the mothers intake of these substances. Besides a healthy and varied diet, dietary supplementation is also recommended to increase the production and supply of quality of breast milk, especially so when the mother is experiencing insufficient breast milk quantity to begin with. In the next section I discuss some available postpartum herbs and supplements for increasing breast milk production and supply and which are the best to use.

Herbs and dietary supplements to increase breast milk production and supply

Fenugreek

Perhaps the most commonly used herb for increasing breast milk is fenugreek, however it is not the best and certainly not the safest to use. Fenugreek is known in herbal medicine as a herb that is hot in nature, influences the liver and stimulates contraction of smooth muscle, hence its use in low breast milk conditions where it encourages contraction of the breast ducts and therefore release of breast milk. You will note however that this is not the only reason for low breast milk and therefore despite its high use it is not very effective in most cases and has a number of side effects that should be noted:

It may cause nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps.

Fenugreek can also cause a maple syrup odor in urine and sweat.

Fenugreek can interfere with iron absorption so people with anemia should avoid it.

It can alter balances of various forms of thyroid hormones.

Fenugreek can aggravate asthma, allergies, and diabetes

Fenugreek should be avoided by women who are pregnant since it is known to stimulate uterine contractions in animal studies and can therefore lead to miscarriage

Fenugreek is useful where stress may be a significant factor in causing low breast milk however we do not recommend that it be used alone due to its other effects described above. In fact traditionally herbs were more often combined with others so as to limit their toxicities and harmful effects while retaining their beneficial ones. For this reason we recommend one of the two synergistic formulas below for low breast milk and in fact the second supplement can also be used as a general postpartum supplement.

Mothers Milk Tea

This tea is something you can make at home and is a combination of fenugreek, fennel, coriander, blessed thistle and aniseed. Though it is better than using fenugreek alone, the tea still retains as its primary function the ability to stimulate smooth muscle contraction. It does however contain aniseed and blessed thistle which have the ability of improving digestion and therefore indirectly improving breast milk quality as well. For more information on mothers milk tea see: https://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/mothers-milk-tea.html

Lactaboost

Lactaboost is a relatively new supplement for postpartum mothers but is based on ancient chinese wisdom as well as recent scientific evidence that supports the use of this formula for nursing mothers. It is not only good for increasing quality and quantity of breast milk as well as treating production problems, but it also has other benefits for mother and baby which include:

Assists with postnatal depression, weakness and fatigue

Enhances babies digestion and eliminates colic

Assists with weight loss and return of the uterus to normal after birth

Traditional Chinese Medicine places a lot of emphasis on proper postnatal care and over a period of hundreds of years developed and refined herbal formulae for that purpose. Lactaboost is based on a number of these formulae and is supported by clinical research that confirm the benefits of it improving and increasing breast milk.

Sometimes the above approaches may not work and it is then useful to consult with a lactation consultant and/or other natural therapist who can work on an individual basis with you in order to prescribe a regimen, remedy or diet plan etc to address your specific condition.

As an example a practitioner of Chinese Medicine will take a history, look at your tongue and feel your pulse in order to determine what the root of the problem is. In cases of low breast milk this may be due to liver qi stagnation, blood deficiency, liver fire causing mastitis or kidney and digestive weakness. After making a diagnosis the practitioner would compose an individualized formula to treat the root condition and may also add ingredients known to treat the branch or manifestation of the root problem.

Vaginal discharge and urine say a lot about the body especially for a doctor who is looking for a specific infection or other. Pregnancy in the early days is commonly proven through a urine sample, aside from the swollen belly that is, while an STI is usually identified through discharge.

However, we are not here to focus on urine but rather discharge the normal and abnormal vaginal discharge type. Knowing the signs of what is not normal will help you decide is it time to see a doctor. Having said that even if the discharge hasn't changed in color or texture and you feel something isn't right, it probably isn't, so make an appointment to see your GP anyway.

Have you noticed blood in your discharge? If so don't panic but instead see a doctor and find out why blood is present. A bloody discharge is not normal, but that doesn't mean the reason it has appeared is that of something sinister. That goes for a yellow discharge, green discharge, or one producing an unpleasant odor.

If a discharge is smeared sort of Pink followed by bright Red blood this is likely caused by the same infection. Red can indicate a late stage. And then it may not. Every woman who has reached puberty will have a monthly bleed but there should be no in between. A blood show at any other time than menstruation is not normal. Again don't be scared but be sensible and speak to your doctor. One simple explanation for vaginal discharge that includes blood is it is leftover from a period

Bloody Discharge

The female body during the menstrual cycle sheds the endometrial lining in the uterus. Blood moves from the uterus out of the cervix making its exit out of the vagina. This occurs every 28 days. It is common to roughly lose 30 to 40 ml of blood. Bacterial sexually transmitted infections namely gonorrhea and chlamydia are known to bring blood. If the cervix has some sort of abnormality this too can cause a bleed as well as sexual intercourse. Other reasons for blood loss are cervical and vaginal trauma.

Green/Yellow Discharge

It is not normal to have a green or yellow discharge. Appearance other than clear odorless or whitish discharge is classed as abnormal. Smelly Green or Yellow, frothy or foamy type discharge and you have been sexually active are a typical sign of infection being present. Trichomoniasis (or "trich") is a sexually transmitted infection instigated by a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis.

Grey Discharge

This color along with a type of fish gone off sort of smell is strongly related to bacterial vaginosis.

Brown Discharge

Brown will have a doctor direct his or her attention to old endometrial tissues. Simply explained discoloration of this shade is more times down to a late period.

Yellow or White Discharge

Itchiness, burning, and inflammation, accompanied with white or yellow discharge are associated with a condition called Candidiasis. It also is known as Moniliasis which is a yeast infection. Yeast infections are very common indeed in both men and women and easily treated

Knowing how your body and vagina operates will give you great insight on how to protect yourself from infection. Knowledge is key and the more information you have betters your chance of leading a healthy carefree life.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS is an endocrine system problem that affects females who are in their reproductive age. Females suffering from PCOS may have developed bigger ovaries that have little accumulations of liquid, termed as follicles, which are situated in every ovary as observed through an ultrasound test.

Occasional or delayed menstrual periods, acne problems, abundance hair development and obesity can affect any woman who is suffering from PCOS. In young girls, occasional or no mensuration may increase doubt for this condition.

The right reason behind the occurrence of polycystic ovary disorder is not fully unknown or understood. Early tests and treatment alongside weight reduction may lessen the danger of long-term problems, such as type 2 diabetes and heart illnesses.

Symptoms Of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS signs and symptoms regularly start not long after a lady initially starts having periods (the first occurrence of menstruation). Now and again, PCOS grows later amid the reproductive years, for example, as a reaction to excess weight gain.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome has many signs (things you or your specialist can see) and Symptoms (indications that you feel or notice). These can become really bad due to obesity. Each lady with PCOS might be influenced a bit differently.

In order to determine whether you're suffering from PCOS or not, the gynecologist will look for these things:

· Polycystic Ovaries

Polycystic ovaries just end up becoming large in size and contain various small liquid filled sacs which cover the eggs.

· Irregular Periods

This is the most well-known indication for PCOS. These cases incorporate inability to menstruate for four months or more; menstrual intervals that are longer than 35 days; less than 8 menstrual cycles in a year; and delayed periods that might be insufficient or heavy.

Risks Involved With PCOS In Later Life

Suffering from PCOS can build your odds of getting affected by other medical issues in later life. For instance, females with PCOS are at high danger of developing:
· Type 2 diabetes - A deep-rooted condition that affects a patient's glucose level to become noticeably too high.
· Stress, depression and emotional swings - On the grounds that the side-effects of PCOS can influence confidence and self-esteem of any patient.
· High cholesterol and high Blood Pressure - These can result in stroke or other heart disease.
· Sleep Apnoea -obese women may likewise get affected from sleep apnoea, which is a condition that results in interrupted breathing during sleep.

When To Visit The Gynec

Visit the gynecologist if you have worries about your menstrual periods, or you're encountering infertility or you have indications of excess androgen, for example, acne and excessive hair development.

Ladies, ladies, ladies... there are some things that you may or may not know about your period. As much as you may hate periods, there are some things you may or may not know about your periods. Menstrual blood, for instance, is actually pretty cool. In fact, the stem cells found in menstrual blood are more powerful than those found in bone marrow. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Menstruation is a part of life for women. From the time a woman gets her period until menopause, most women dread that time of the month. It isn't fun, it's expensive (tampons and pads, which are basic necessities, are taxed), and you can experience different health symptoms.

Here are some interesting period facts that you may have been unaware of until right now.

1. Cramps Aren't Normal

Even though you may think it is normal to have them, it isn't. Cramps can indicate that there's something else going on in your body, for example, that your estrogen count is high. Or maybe you ate too much sugar, which triggered the inflammatory response. If you have a fibroid, cyst, or something irritating the uterus, which could also be the cause of cramps.

2. Don't Blame Sugar Cravings on PMS

Some women have the urge to go for chocolate or foods high in carbs when they menstruate. It could mean that you have low progesterone levels, and progesterone is the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. You may want to get some blood work done to check your progesterone levels.

3. Tampons Contribute to Bacterial Infections

Tampons can cause bacterial infections, including vaginal dryness or the rare toxic shock syndrome (TSS). This is because tampons are made up of material that certain bacteria like. A good alternative may be a menstrual cup, which is a reusable cup that collects period blood. Think about it.

4. The Days Before Your Period Mimic Pregnancy

The body is preparing for pregnancy in the days leading up to your period. This means that the body secretes certain hormones such as progesterone. If you've ever felt bloated or have had tender breasts, it is because your body isn't used to that sudden hormone rush.

5. Insomnia Should Be Looked Into

If your period causes you to have insomnia, it may be because you have a very low amount of progesterone. Proper progesterone levels help you sleep, so you may need to check in with your doctor to check your progesterone levels.